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27 Best Imitation Crab Recipes For Your Next Seafood Night

Are you longing for a taste of the sea but living in a place where this is hard to come by? If the answer is yes, then you have to try imitation crab Recipes. 

With extracts of actual crab meat, imitation crab tastes almost identical to the real thing and is significantly more accessible but wait- it gets better. 

One of the main reasons imitation crab has actually grown in popularity in recent years is because of how affordable it is. Delicious and inexpensive – you can’t go wrong with that. 

If you’re ready to try this scrumptious seafood delight check out the rest of this article where you’ll find 27 imitation crab recipes including everything from crab cakes to crab quiche, as well as learn more about what imitation crab meat actually is and what it tastes like. 

Quick Table: The Best Imitation Crab Recipes

RecipesCalories Per ServingPreparation Time 
California Poke Bowl546 10 Min
Crab Roll-Upsn/a20 Min
Crab Salad 30815 Min
Crab Rangoon 146 15 Min
Crab Rangoon Dip100015 Min
Spicy Crab Kani Salad377 20 Min
Imitation Crab Chimichangasn/a10 Min
Buffalo Crab Dip 465 10 Min
Lemon And Garlic Butter Crab Linguinin/a15 Min
Crab Cakes n/a10 Min
Minnesota Crab Louie35810 Min
Crab Meat Casserole 2945 Min
Seafood Enchiladas 352 15 Min
Smoky Crab Bisque455 20 Min
Crab Po’boy309 15 Min
Pasta Crab Saladn/a15 Min
Crab Crescent Bitesn/a15 Min
Korean Crab Jeon n/a10 Min
Crab Alfredo Flatbreadn/a5 Min
Crab Quiche290 10 Min
Crab Mac And Cheesen/a10 Min
Seafood Lasagne n/a15 Min
Corn Crab Salad185 10 Min
Cajun Lime Corn Chowder With Crab n/a10 Min
Sweet And Spicy Seafood Meat Balls90 15 Min
Crab Croquettes104 10 Min
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms126 15 Min

1. California Poke Bowl

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Poke bowls have been all the rage in the last few years and provide a delicious assortment of finely chopped fish, rice and veggies. This particular take on the trend uses imitation crab meat, rice, avocado, mango, cucumber and spicy mayo. 

To top it off, sesame seeds and seaweed are also added to give the bowl that sushi, California roll feel. 

This dish only takes 10 minutes to prepare and is a great alternative for people who love sushi but don’t want to spend the money on eating in a restaurant. 

Calories Per Serving: 546

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

2. Crab Roll-Ups

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If you find snack time a struggle, we’ve got just the thing for you because with these crab roll-ups, you can say goodbye to long hours in the kitchen and say hello to more you time

With 6 simple ingredients, including two kinds of cheese, imitation crab meat, green onions, cocktail sauce and tortillas, this dish is full of savory goodness and super easy to make: simply apply the spread to tortillas, roll them up, stick them in the fridge and you’re done!

This dish also yields 30-40 rolls, so you’ll have plenty for the whole week!

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

3. Crab Salad

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Salads tend to get a bad rep and we can’t understand why, especially when they come with delicious, juicy crab. 

For a light meal or side dish, try this simple and flavorful alternative to the classic seafood salad

It contains a variety of delicious components, including imitation crab meat, celery, green onions, mayonnaise, and some Old Bay seasoning. 

For a more hearty meal, stuff the salad into soft hotdog buns. Yuuuummy

Calories Per Serving: 308

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

4. Crab Rangoon 

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Is your go-to at the Chinese restaurant Rangoon? If the answer is yes, then you have to try this homemade version!

Rangoons are sweet and savory, crispy delights stuffed into tiny wonton wrappers. They make the perfect party appetizer and consist of cream cheese, imitation crab meat, scallions and sugar.

Because you have to assemble the rangoons yourself, this recipe is a little more finicky than some of the others but we promise you, it’s totally worth it. 

Calories Per Serving: 146

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

5. Crab Rangoon Dip 

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When you’re craving crab rangoon but are looking for a healthier, non-fried alternative, then this dip is your go-to. 

It has all of the same delicious flavors as the real thing but adds an interesting twist by incorporating Worcestershire sauce and lime juice

Our mouths are already watering. 

Calories Per Serving: 1000

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes 

 6. Spicy Crab Kani Salad 

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If you’re an avid sushi-eater, then this spicy crab Kani salad is just what you need. 

“Kani” actually means crab in Japanese and can often be found in the form of salads in many Japanese restaurants. 

While crab meat, veggies and mango aren’t the most filling combination of ingredients, this dish is perfect for anyone wanting a light meal with a low amount of calories. 

Alternatively, this salad would also be great as a side dish. 

Calories Per Serving: 377

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

RELATED: 31 Perfect & Delicious Dishes to Serve With Crab Meat Recipes

7. Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas 

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Imitation crab chimichangas are a twist on the classic Southwestern deep-fried burrito. They’re full of delicious flavors, including three types of cheese, Old Bay seasoning and garlic powder. 

Crab Chimichangas are the perfect meal for when you want to satisfy both your Tex-Mex and seafood cravings and they only take a total of 35 minutes to make.

Serve it with salsa or sour cream for an extra kick of flavor. 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

8. Buffalo Crab Dip

“We don’t need a dip” is a statement said by no one ever because whether it’s a summer bbq or game day, every party requires a good dipping sauce. And if you’re looking for a spicy seafood option, we’ve got just the thing. 

Buffalo crab dip is a baked dip full of hot and fiery goodness and contains only a few simple ingredients: imitation crab, cream cheese, buffalo dressing, ranch sauce and a chip or cracker of your choice for dipping. 

Its warm, spicy and cheesy flavors will surely be a crowd pleaser. 

Calories Per Serving: 465

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

9. Crab Linguini With Lemon And Garlic Butter Sauce

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Pasta on its own isn’t terribly nutritious, so why not add in something healthy such as the imitation crab in this irresistible crab linguini?

Crab and pasta are delicious by themselves, but the real star of this show is the lemon and garlic butter sauce. Lemon and garlic are a classic duo and help elevate the flavor of any dish. 

Whip this up for your next family meal and watch how fast it becomes a staple in your home!

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

10. Crab Cakes

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Crab cakes are a classic in the seafood world and these ones are particularly delicious as they are full of interesting flavors, including fresh dill, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, cayenne pepper and many more. 

These cakes are crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside and are perfect as either an appetizer served with tartar sauce, or as a side dish with veggies and potatoes. 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

11. Minnesota Crab Louie

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Traditionally, a Crab Louie is a salad served on a bed of lettuce with crab and a hard-boiled egg. 

This recipe deviates from the classic dish slightly by incorporating imitation crab and shrimp. Then, to increase the flavor factor even further, a creamy chili garlic sauce is also added.

Talk about spicy seafood deliciousness!

Calories Per Serving: 358

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

12. Crab Meat Casserole

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Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food and we can’t get enough of this epic crab meat one. 

This recipe is super cheesy and creamy and contains hints of juicy imitation crab, sweet onion and Worcestershire sauce. 

This dish only takes 35 minutes to be completed and would be the perfect addition to a potluck dinner

Calories Per Serving: 294

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

RELATED: What To Eat With Crab Cakes: 16 Amazing Side Dishes

13. Seafood Enchiladas

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Mexican food lovers get ready because these seafood enchiladas are full of tasty Mexican flavors, including enchilada sauce, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, onion and hot sauce. 

The seasonings in this recipe really help to enhance the crab meat, while the burrito style offers a fun and creative way of mixing our fav Mexican and seafood dishes. 

Calories Per Serving: 352

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

14. Smoky Crab Bisque

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If you’re familiar with French cuisine, then you’ll know just how good this dish is. 

Bisque is a creamy, seafood-based soup that is fairly simple to make. 

It’s warm and savory and this recipe makes it with a combination of tasty ingredients: crab, bacon, chives and corn.

Oh, and did we mention the broth is made out of heavenly hints of white wine and tomato sauce? 

Calories Per Serving: 455

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

15. Crab Po’boy

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New Orleans isn’t just known for its bilingualism and Mardi Gras, it’s also the homeland of the delicious Po’boy

To make these creamy salad sandwiches, all you have to do is mix crab, celery, mayonnaise and seafood seasoning, stuff them into a bun and you’re done! Simple and scrumptious. 

Calories Per Serving: 309

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

16. Pasta Crab Salad

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Plain pasta night after night can get boring. 

This recipe offers you a tasty twist on regular old pasta by pairing it with imitation crab as well as a light sauce (featuring basil, lemon and Old Bay seasoning, celery and feta cheese). 

This recipe is great for lunchtime or for dinner served with fresh bread

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

17. Crab Crescent Bites

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Crescent bites are the ultimate party appetizers not only because they’re the perfect bite-size, but also, who can resist flaky, buttery pastry

This recipe puts a delicious seafood spin on crescent bites with their creamy, cheesy crab filling. Need I say more? 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

18. Korean Crab Jeon (Omelet)

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Who says omelets are only for breakfast?

In fact, these Korean crab Jeons are perfect for any meal of the day. They’re full of sweet and savory imitation crab, garlic onions, red peppers, chives, spicy jalapeños and for an extra touch of the sea, shrimp. 

Plus, they only take 6 minutes to fry up. What more could you want? 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: What Are The Best Methods For Cooking Imitation Crab?

19. Crab Alfredo Flatbread

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If the name has any reference to pasta in it, then you know it has to be good. This Alfredo flatbread has all the flavors of our fav pasta dish with the added bonus of crab meat. 

It’s super cheesy, only takes 5 minutes to prepare and is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

20. Crab Quiche

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Quiche may have its origins in France, but who says you can’t put a southern spin on it?

This crab quiche recipe is to die for and with a full cup of imitation crab and Swiss cheese, you know you can’t go wrong. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly and crabtabulous. 

Calories Per Serving: 290

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

21. Crab Mac And Cheese

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Mac and cheese is a true classic that not only tastes great by itself, but it’s also the perfect base for endless combinations and variations. 

To up your mac and cheese game try adding garlic, dill and, you guessed it, crab meat.

This recipe yields 4 servings and would be perfect for a cozy movie night with friends. 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

22. Seafood Lasagne

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If you can’t get enough of the ocean, you’ll love this creamy seafood lasagne. Packed with crab, shrimp, scallops and all the cheese you can get, this delectable lasagne is for those of us who aren’t afraid of calories! 

Bonus: this can be kept in the freezer ahead of time for up to 4 weeks.

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

23. Corn Crab Salad

You can never have too many salad recipes, especially during the summer season. This salad is super easy and only uses a few  simple ingredients: crab, pickles and corn. 

While the corn provides a nice sweetness to the salad, the savory dressing offers a nice balance.

Calories Per Serving: 185

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

24. Cajun Lime Corn Chowder With Crab

Speaking of corn, this corn Cajun chowder is simply divine. 

There’s just something about juicy imitation crab, lime juice and corn that make the taste buds go wild. Serve this on a cool day or, if you’re feeling festive, for Mardi Gras. 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

RELATED: What Is The Best Number Of Crab legs Per Person?

25. Sweet And Spicy Seafood Meatballs

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With these sweet and spicy seafood meatballs, you get the best of both worlds. The sweetness comes from the apricot component of the glaze, while the spicy part, from the sriracha. 

To make the dish, first assemble the crab, shrimp and veggie balls and place them in the oven. Then, Take them out, smother them in sauce and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable experience. 

Calories Per Serving: 90

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

26. Crab Croquettes

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Crab croquettes are flavor-packed breaded balls of deliciousness. 

This recipe calls for butter- a great ingredient to really bring out the flavors of the crab meat and for the seasoning, onion and garlic are the main components. 

These tasty treats only take 30 minutes to make and are best served with hot sauce. 

Calories Per Serving: 104

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

27. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

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Whether it’s a summer barbeque or a holiday party, crab stuffed mushrooms are a must-have appetizer. 

Made with imitation crab and a variety of other tasty ingredients such as cheese, garlic and scallions, this dish will definitely impress. 

If the flavors weren’t fabulous enough, the small, compact shape of the mushrooms is not only practical but also adorable. 

Calories Per Serving: 126

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Imitation Crab?

The main ingredient in imitation crab is surimi: a paste made from finely shredded white fish flesh, such as Alaskan Pollock.

The fish is accompanied by other ingredients such as starch, egg whites, salt, sugar and red food coloring, and then formed into a “stick” shape to resemble a crab leg. 

Despite it tasting very similar to the real thing, imitation crab only contains a small extract of real crab. 

What Does Imitation Crab Taste Like?

Imitation crab is very similar to real crab meat in both flavor and texture. The meat is firm like real crab and possesses the same sweet and savory taste. 

Does Imitation Crab Have To Be Cooked?

Imitation crab already comes pre-cooked when you purchase it and therefore only needs to be heated through when added to dishes. 

Best Imitation Crab Recipes For Your Next Seafood Night

Imitation Crab Tastes almost identical to the real thing and is significantly more accessible but wait- it gets better. 

Directions

  • Pick a recipe from the list above
  • Click the recipe name and visit the website
  • Collect the ingredients and cook the food
  • Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Recipe Video

Jess Smith
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